Richard Roberts – First of three parts
The central figure in history is Jesus Christ, and at the center of all God’s dealings with you is the Cross on which Jesus died. That Cross is the reason Jesus came into this world. He went to that Cross for you. As Jesus hung upon the Cross, He spoke seven times. These seven great statements cover seven basic needs of mankind. Everything you and I need is included in the seven statements of Jesus on the Cross. In the Cross …
1. There is forgiveness.
Jesus’ first statement on the cross was one of forgiveness. He said,
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34). Isn’t it wonderful to know there is forgiveness in the Cross? Jesus forgave the disciples who forsook Him and fled into the night. He forgave the evil ones who drove Him to the Cross. He forgave the Roman soldiers who nailed His hands and feet to the tree.
That same forgiveness is for every person today. There is forgiveness for every sin you’ve ever committed. We are serving a God of forgiveness. The Bible says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John1:9). There is forgiveness in the Cross!
2. There is salvation.
As Jesus hung on the Cross that day, beside Him were two thieves who were also being crucified. One of them looked over and saw Jesus. He recognized that He was the Son of God. As the thief on the other side of Jesus was mocking Him, the first man turned to the Master and said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42˗43).
That morning, the thief had been condemned to die, but that evening, he was forgiven and cleansed. That morning, he was chained between two soldiers, but that evening he was walking with Jesus in paradise. There is salvation in the Cross!